Machine gunners and rifleman engaged in an anti-aircraft exercise, during training at Fanling Camp, New Territories, 1938 (c)

Photograph, Hong Kong, 1938 (c).

Members of the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps undertake a fire exercise. Formed in 1920 from existing volunteer units, the Defence Corps allowed regular Army units previously tied-up on garrison duty to be deployed elsewhere. In 1941 many of its members were killed or captured during the Japanese invasion of the colony. Some, however, made their way into China to assist the Chinese Government in the struggle against the Japanese.

From a collection of 69 photographs relating to the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps, 1924-1938.